| Author | Message | ||
     Asym50 |
Question: What is the best way to remove surface scratches from CF parts? Also, can a clearcoat be reapplied to finished CF parts? I purchased them from American Sport Bike, figure I'd give Al a break from all my questions and let the Buell community suggest a solution. | ||
| Al_lighton |
American Sport Bike CF has no clearcoat when new. The epoxy/CF prepreg is vacuum bagged in the mold and cured in an autoclave, with just a small amount of resin at the surface. Epoxy resin is not water clear and will look cloudy if the otuer resin layer is left thick. It is also not highly UV resistant, so it is important to keep it protected. I like using good NON-CLEANER wax, followed by an application of Protect All, which has UV inhibitors (see http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/PROD326.html ) If you buff out a scratch too aggressively, you can easily go down to the cloth layer. You CAN clear coat it using something like catalysted urethane, but make sure you de-wax it completely first. I'm not a fan of clearcoating it when new, because over time the clear coat can lose adhesion to the underlying CF layer as the epoxy breaks down under UV exposure. Once that happens with a clear coat, it is difficult (but not impossible) to bring it back. We maintain a high gloss and polish on the tool surfaces so that they look great without a clear coat | ||
| Asym50 |
Al, thanks for the info. I was trying to avoid pestering you and post for answers. Please include a can of the "Protect All" when you ship out the pending CF oil scoop I've got on order with you. Much appreciated. |
